Explore Tempo, Dynamics & Italian Terms with music dictionary guides to speed, volume, expression, and performance directions.
Moderato is an Italian tempo marking indicating a moderate speed, typically ranging from about 108 to 120 beats per minute. It guides performers toward a balanced, neither too fast nor too slow, pace and appears in a wide variety of musical styles.
Pomposo is an Italian musical expression marking that directs performers to play in a majestic, pompous manner, often used in classical and operatic works.
Lacrimoso is an Italian expressive marking meaning “tearful” or “weeping,” used to convey a sorrowful, plaintive character in vocal and instrumental music.
Espressivo is an Italian performance direction meaning “expressively.” It instructs musicians to play a passage with heightened feeling, nuance, and personal interpretation, without specifying exact dynamics or tempo.
Animato is an Italian musical term meaning “animated” or “lively,” used as an expressive direction indicating a spirited, energetic performance.
Stringendo is a tempo indication instructing musicians to gradually increase the speed of the music. It appears in scores across many styles, often alongside accelerando, and affects phrasing and expressive intensity.
A metronome marking indicates the exact speed of a piece of music, usually expressed in beats per minute (BPM). It guides performers in maintaining a consistent tempo throughout a composition.
Andantino is an Italian tempo marking indicating a speed slightly faster than andante, though interpretations vary. It guides performers on a moderately brisk pace, often used in Classical and Romantic repertoire.
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Tempo Primo is an Italian musical instruction meaning “the original tempo.” It tells performers to return to the initial speed after a temporary change such as a ritardando or accelerando.